Parenting doesn\u2019t come with a handbook. Neither does living during a pandemic. When you put both together, it can be overwhelming. Try to keep your calm with these sanity-saving parenting tips.<\/p>\n
Routines help kids feel safe and secure, so you need to have a routine even when you stay at home. While you may need to be flexible at times, stick to a schedule for kids to wake up, eat, play, learn, and go to bed around the same time each day. This applies to older kids as well.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s normal for both adults and children to be scared and anxious during times like this. You just need to be open, honest and acknowledge everyone\u2019s feelings. Answer kids\u2019 questions honestly and simply. Don\u2019t overwhelm them with details they don\u2019t need to know, but let them know the basics.<\/p>\n
Kids are may act out because they are also frustrated, bored, or anxious. How you discipline them is important. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)<\/a> recommends using positive discipline to help deal with issues. This includes things like:<\/p>\n It might be tempting to let kids be distracted by videos or games all day, especially when you are trying to get chores or work done. However, it\u2019s important that you still limit screen time when you can. Follow the AAP\u2019s recommendations on screen<\/a> time and media habits.<\/p>\n You are going to be together a lot during the pandemic. You might think you are getting more than enough quality family time. However, not all the time you\u2019ll be spending will be \u201cquality.\u201d Some days it is an accomplishment just to make it through the day, and that\u2019s ok. But try to set aside a bit of a special time when you can. That includes time together as a family as well as one-on-one time with children.<\/p>\n As a parent, your instinct is to prioritize caring for your kids. However, you should keep in mind that you need to care for yourself as well. Make sure you are practicing self-care so that you can better care for your family. In this case, self-care is simply doing the things you need to do to keep yourself healthy and sane. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, practicing good hygiene,<\/p>\n If you are co-parenting with someone who is also at home, take turns to avoid burnout. Some people prefer to take \u201cshifts\u201d of time where one parent is looking after the children while the other can be alone to work or rest. Or rotate who is in charge of certain activities.<\/p>\n It might seem like you and your kids are on top of each other at all times when you\u2019re staying at home. However, one of the biggest parenting tips you can take (regardless of the state of public health) is to find time to take a breather. Ask your partner to tag in so you can be still and quiet and recharge a bit. Or find something that you do anyway, like taking a shower, and take that time to practice mindfulness.<\/p>\n\n
4. Limit Screen Time When Possible<\/h2>\n
5. Set Aside Special Time<\/h2>\n
6. Practice Self-Care<\/h2>\n
7. Take Turns<\/h2>\n
8. Take A Breather<\/h2>\n
9. Evaluate Problems<\/h2>\n